Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Transitioning from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was intimidating. Nevertheless, my past 18 months in London have been the most rewarding and thrilling of my life.
London is a dynamic, multicultural, historic, and vibrant metropolis featuring a diverse range of restaurants, events, and attractions – discovering it is always an adventure! However, adapting to life in a foreign country can be tough. Here are a few insights I gained as an international student in London, along with some tips and suggestions once you’ve settled.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in relocating to London is identifying the perfect place to call home. Through Instagram, TikTok, and online forums, I investigated different neighborhoods across London that might be enjoyable to reside in. I found that Camden Town boasts a lively nightlife, Hackney is a developing area in east London, and Putney is a tranquil and green residential spot.
I was lucky to visit London prior to commencing my Master’s, giving me the chance to explore these neighborhoods firsthand before choosing where to live. After opting for Putney, my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized accommodation search platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate affordable house shares, arranged online viewings with landlords, and eventually secured an appealing flat near Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
Once you’ve unpacked and styled your new home, a plethora of opportunities and events await – the challenge in London lies in selecting which activities to engage in and finding the time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is nestled in the Albertopolis area, a neighborhood honoring art, manufacturing, and science. Nearby, you’ll discover an array of marvelous museums, including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are fantastic for exploration, and some even remain open late on Fridays. On the final Friday of every month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, an open party featuring drinks and live music!
In addition to visiting museums, I enjoy wandering around East London locations like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This area is rich with historical and artistic projects, making it a delightful location to roam and uncover. My favorite place is Trinity Buoy Wharf, constructed on the site of an old canning warehouse, now home to a startup creating temporary structures from shipping containers. The complex celebrates creative manufacturing and houses several art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday operated!
Dining out in London
London provides plenty of deals if you know where to search, with numerous options for affordable yet high-quality dining. Throughout my time in London, I’ve assembled a list of eateries with various deals scattered around the city, making eating out more budget-friendly.
One such location is in South Kensington, where a seafood restaurant named Wright Brothers offers an Oyster Happy Hour, with oysters priced at just £1 each! This is a great bargain, particularly if you long for the flavors of home seafood and wish to relish oysters to your heart’s (and wallet’s) satisfaction!
Tooting in South London is also renowned for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets showcasing a wide range of cuisines. If you’re in search of food that evokes memories of home, I highly recommend checking out the Tooting food markets!
Getting a break from the city
While the city’s pace is part of London’s appeal, there are times when the Tube can be excessively noisy, or the streets can seem overwhelmingly crowded. Luckily, London is at the center of an excellent network of trains and coaches, facilitating easy escapes from the city for a weekend.
My preferred getaways are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England rich in history and friendly spots for students. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a vast botanical garden in Wisley, a fantastic day trip, especially during the summer.
Overall, London is a lively city teeming with opportunities and places to discover, so take your time to explore all that the city offers during your stay at Imperial!
To learn more about my journey, read my Imperial story.